La Nave de los Locos - No 16

Magazine Overview

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: N° 16
Volume: Año 3
Date: Mayo 2002
Publisher: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" delves deeply into the complex phenomenon of alien abductions, offering a critical and analytical perspective. The editorial board reflects on the magazine's second anniversary and the ongoing journey through ufology and parapsychology, emphasizing the importance of humor and a rational approach. The issue marks the end of a dossier on abductions but promises to revisit the topic. It features contributions from various authors, including analyses of abduction experiences, the case of Travis Walton, and critiques of extraterrestrial claims in Chile.

Examining Abductions with Objectivity: The Alternative

This article by Luis R. González critiques Greg Sandow's analysis of abductions, particularly Sandow's own proposed hypothesis. González argues that Sandow, a music critic, attempts to explain abduction phenomena with insufficient bibliographic knowledge and a bias against skeptical viewpoints. Sandow's hypothesis, which suggests alien races with advanced technology aim to create a hybrid race, is examined. González questions the evidence presented, such as alleged alien substances and marks on abductees, highlighting the lack of verifiable proof and the reliance on subjective testimonies. The article points out that while Sandow acknowledges the need for evidence, he doesn't adequately address the scientific scrutiny of alleged alien implants or the presence of independent witnesses.

The Simplism of Sandow

Ignacio Cabria's article further scrutinizes Greg Sandow's approach to abductions. Cabria criticizes Sandow's dismissal of skepticism, particularly regarding the reliability of hypnosis in recovering memories, citing research that indicates hypnosis can create false memories. The article argues that the consistency of abduction accounts, whether obtained through hypnosis or not, is debatable and that cultural influences, such as science fiction, likely play a significant role in shaping these narratives. Cabria also challenges Sandow's assertion that support groups for abductees are not cult-like and criticizes his rejection of cultural explanations for abduction details, particularly those proposed by Martin Kottmeyer.

Abduction Experiences or the Path to Origin

Roberto Banchs explores the nature of abduction experiences, categorizing them alongside other extraordinary encounters like near-death experiences and shamanic journeys. Banchs suggests that abduction narratives, often involving physical restraint and examination, share commonalities with archetypal initiation rites. He notes that the descriptions of alien entities often have humanoid features, leading to speculation about their nature and the possibility of different alien races or even non-real cases. The article introduces the term "post-traumatic abduction syndrome" and discusses how these experiences can lead to amnesia, trauma, and psychological distress. Banchs also examines the role of recovered memory through hypnosis, questioning its validity in legal contexts and suggesting that such memories might be symbolic representations of unconscious desires or traumas.

The Myth of the Hero and the Rite of Initiation

This section connects abduction experiences to the universal theme of the hero's journey and initiation rites. The author draws parallels between abductions and other transformative experiences, suggesting they represent a form of psycho-spiritual transformation. Drawing on the work of Vladimir Propp and Joseph Campbell, the article posits that abduction narratives follow a mythical structure, akin to traditional hero myths, involving a journey, a trial, and a subsequent transformation. These experiences are seen as symbolic representations of inner change and a quest for self-realization, often involving a shift in consciousness and a new understanding of reality.

Other Sections

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the magazine's anniversary and the challenges of navigating the world of ufology. It highlights the importance of humor and a rational approach, mentioning the magazine's international recognition through a mention in the "El Pelícano escribe" section of the Magonia magazine.

Summary (Sumario)

The summary page lists the articles in the issue, including "Examining Abductions with Objectivity: The Alternative" by Luis González, "The Simplism of Sandow" by Ignacio Cabria, "Abduction Experience or the Path to Origin" by Roberto Banchs, and discussions on "The Mothman Prophecies" and "Extraterrestres en Chile."

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of books such as "Dark White" by Susan Blackmore and "Extraterrestres en Chile: Top Secret" by Sergio Sánchez.

Ovnivisión and Mathematics

This section criticizes the website Ovnivisión for alleged misinformation and exaggerated claims about website traffic, contrasting it with the magazine's own modest but honest approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufological claims, particularly concerning alien abductions. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rational inquiry, scientific skepticism, and the examination of psychological and cultural factors that may influence UFO experiences and narratives. While acknowledging the profound impact these experiences can have on individuals, the editorial stance leans towards demystifying the phenomenon and questioning overly simplistic or unsubstantiated explanations. The recurring theme is the need for objective analysis, even when dealing with subjects that evoke strong emotions and personal beliefs. The magazine also highlights the connection between UFO phenomena and broader human experiences, such as myths, folklore, and rites of passage, suggesting that these may offer alternative frameworks for understanding such encounters.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: 16
Date: May 2002

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' delves deeply into the psychological, mythological, and ethnological dimensions of abduction phenomena, presenting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding these experiences.

The Myth of the Hero and the Abduction Experience

The issue begins by exploring the concept of the hero's journey, as described by Carl Jung and J. Campbell, as a process of individuation. This journey involves separation, crossing a threshold into another world, receiving initiation, and returning with new knowledge. The article posits that abduction narratives can be understood as a modern manifestation of this archetypal myth, reflecting a deep human need to confront the origins of life and identity, often involving a symbolic confrontation with the 'devouring mother' or a return to the maternal womb.

The text highlights that the experience of crossing the threshold can be either positive, leading to spiritual growth, or pathogenic, stemming from intense anguish. It draws parallels between the symbolic journey of the hero and the profound psychological impact of birth, which Otto Rank described as a fundamental trauma that shapes an individual's subsequent experiences of anxiety and separation.

Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Abduction

Drawing on psychoanalytic theories, the article suggests that abduction narratives often serve as a way to process and express primal anxieties, particularly those related to the birth trauma. The experience of separation from the mother's body during birth is seen as a prototype for later feelings of anguish, loss, and even a sense of abandonment. The text notes that these narratives can be a form of psychological defense, where the ego retreats to a fetal state to escape overwhelming external threats.

Techniques to induce fetal regression, such as frustrating or aggressive methods, are mentioned as ways to intensify the focus on fantasy at the expense of external reality. These methods can exacerbate paranoid anxieties and lead to a retreat into an intra-uterine position.

Bertrand Méheust: An Ethnologist on a Flying Saucer

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the work of ethnologist Bertrand Méheust. His approach is presented as a unique contribution to ufology, viewing abduction accounts not as literal extraterrestrial encounters but as a contemporary form of folklore and mythology. Méheust argues that these narratives are deeply rooted in archaic human consciousness and reflect a collective imagination shaped by science fiction and ancient myths.

His seminal work, "Soucoupes volantes et folklore," is discussed, highlighting his argument that many UFO scenarios after 1947 were influenced by early 20th-century science fiction. Méheust's research suggests a "primordial image bank" that feeds both science fiction and ufological imagery. He proposes a "psycho-social hypothesis" that bridges the gap between belief and skepticism, offering a "third way" in ufological interpretation.

Méheust's analysis emphasizes the theatricality and dream-like quality of abduction accounts, likening them to primitive dramas that unfold without a conscious director. He categorizes the evolution of abduction narratives into four stages: incubation (1947-1966), marginal existence (1966-1973), consolidation (1973-1981), and invasion (1987-present).

The "Stateless Trance" and the Abductee

The concept of the "stateless trance" is introduced, describing the abductee's experience of returning from a transformative journey, akin to a shaman's initiation, but without the social recognition or integration afforded to traditional shamans. Unlike the shaman who returns to their community with enhanced status, the modern abductee often faces disbelief or indifference, leading to a "painful secret" and a feeling of being caught between two worlds – the archaic and the contemporary, the dream and reality.

Debunking and Further Investigations

The issue also includes a section debunking the "Fort Tropieza" case, a 1924 disappearance of two pilots in Persia, which is explained as a survival story involving a sandstorm and eventual discovery of the pilots' remains, not a supernatural event.

Additionally, a brief report touches upon intriguing findings from the Pathfinder mission suggesting the presence of chlorophyll on Mars, indicating potential signs of life, though researchers caution that these are preliminary findings.

Bibliographical References and Notes

The issue provides extensive bibliographical references to works on psychoanalysis, mythology, and ufology, including key texts by Freud, Jung, Rank, Campbell, and Méheust. Several notes clarify technical terms like "abduction" in a legal and ufological context, and discuss specific cases or theories in more detail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological underpinnings of abduction experiences, the enduring power of myth and archetypes in shaping human understanding, and the ethnological perspective on contemporary folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand abduction phenomena through a lens that integrates psychology, mythology, and sociology, rather than accepting them at face value as purely extraterrestrial events. The magazine encourages a deeper exploration of the human psyche and its symbolic expressions, even when manifested in seemingly unusual or extraordinary narratives.

Title: La Nave de los Locos
Issue: Nº 16
Volume: 3
Date: Mayo de 2002
Publisher: La Nave de los Locos
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish
ISSN: 1138-7876

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' focuses on the classic UFO abduction case of Travis Walton, presenting a critical analysis of the event under the headline "UNA ABDUCCIÓN MUY CONVENIENTE" (A VERY CONVENIENT ABDUCTION) by Diego Zúñiga C.

The Travis Walton Case: A Critical Examination

The article begins by acknowledging the fame of the Travis Walton case, describing it as one of the most studied abductions. It highlights that the story, while often praised, contains small details that critics have used to cast doubt on its veracity.

On November 5, 1975, seven loggers working in the Sitgreave-Apache National Park in Arizona reported seeing a golden glow emanating from the vegetation. They initially mistook it for the setting sun, but soon realized it was a large UFO, described as a typical flying saucer, suspended about 30 meters above the trees. The object measured approximately 4.5 meters in diameter and 2.5 meters in height. Travis Walton, one of the loggers, got out of the truck and approached the UFO. A blue-green ray from the object lifted him into the air. The other six loggers, terrified, fled the scene.

After a brief discussion, the remaining loggers decided to return and search for Walton. They found no trace of him. They then reported the incident to the Sheriff of Navajo Country, Lieutenant L. Chuck Ellison. A search was conducted, but Walton was not found. This led to suspicions that the loggers might have harmed Walton and fabricated the story to cover it up. Polygraph tests were administered to the witnesses, most of whom passed, though one, Allen Dallis, was deemed unconvincing.

Walton reappeared on the night of November 10th or early November 11th, claiming to have only been gone for a few hours. He was found at a public phone booth, having called his sister. He was taken to Phoenix to avoid the press and examined by doctors associated with APRO, who noted signs of dehydration and a puncture-like wound on his arm. Walton denied being drugged, and medical tests supported this.

Under hypnosis, Walton recounted his experience inside the UFO. He described being examined by three-and-a-half-foot-tall, white-skinned beings with large heads and eyes. He recalled being on an operating table and feeling pain from a metallic object on his chest. He then described escaping and finding a circular room with a control panel that allowed him to manipulate the stars on a screen, indicating he was in a spacecraft. He was then led by a being with golden eyes to a room where other beings, two men and one woman, were present. They placed him on a table and applied a mask.

He was later found on the roadside, seeing the spaceship depart. The article notes the common pattern in abduction stories where abductees are returned, often with changed clothes, near where they were taken.

Skeptical Analysis and Media Portrayals

The article delves into the skepticism surrounding the case, particularly from Philip Klass, author of "UFOs: The Public Deceived." Klass raised several points of doubt, including the loggers' apparent lack of distress after Walton's disappearance and the fact that Walton and his brother Duane seemed too calm given the circumstances. Klass suggested that the loggers might have been motivated by a contract that was behind schedule, and an abduction scenario could provide a convenient excuse to delay work and avoid penalties. He noted that Mike Rogers had seen the film "The UFO Incident," which some ufologists believe may have influenced the narrative.

Philip Klass also investigated the polygraph tests. He discovered that an initial test administered by Jack McCarthy, an expert in Arizona, was failed by Walton. McCarthy reportedly described the case as a "great hoax" and that Walton had "held his breath to try to fool the machine." This initial failed test was allegedly concealed, and a second test, arranged by APRO representatives, was passed by Walton. Klass also noted that Walton dictated some of the questions for the second test, which he considered a violation of polygraph principles.

Jeff Wells, a reporter for the National Enquirer, also reported that Duane Walton had admitted Travis had failed the test "miserably."

Media and Film Influence

The article mentions that the film "The UFO Incident," based on the Betty and Barney Hill case, was broadcast on NBC shortly before the Walton incident. Some ufologists suggest this film may have provided ideas for future abduction narratives. A film based on the Walton case, "Fire in the Sky," was also produced and broadcast in Chile. Philip Klass argued that such films, promoted as real stories, were misleading the public.

Alternative Perspectives and Criticisms

John Harney, editor of the magazine 'Magonia,' expressed doubts about both skeptical and believing explanations of the Walton case. He questioned why the loggers' clothes and the truck were not examined if they were suspected of murder. Harney suggested that if the case were a fraud, it would require considerable acting skill from the witnesses.

Kevin Randle, another ufologist, also labeled the Travis Walton case as a proven fraud based on available information. The article suggests that the case continues to be promoted by those who profit from its mystery.

Book Review: "Los Extraños" by Acevedo and Berlanda

The magazine also includes a review of the book "Los Extraños" (The Strangers) by Juan José Acevedo and Néstor Berlanda. The authors, a psychologist and a psychiatrist, propose that abduction experiences, beyond potential mythomania or simple hallucinations, represent a distinct phenomenon. They link these experiences to non-ordinary states of consciousness (ENOC), transpersonal psychology, and contemporary psychiatry. The book suggests that some conditions labeled as "psychotic" might actually be accelerated spiritual transformations.

Acevedo and Berlanda analyze the "typical abduction story" and present classic cases, including those of Vilas Boas and Barney and Betty Hill. They offer a unique perspective on the "grey" aliens, suggesting their appearance symbolizes a reconciliation of life and death, Eros and Thanatos, and that they represent ontological ghosts or fetal creatures. The review highlights the book's analysis of Argentine cases, such as that of Julio Platner.

The authors conclude that the impact of abduction phenomena, if real, could be more profound than the discovery of extraterrestrial life. They suggest that while the origin of these experiences remains unknown, the concept of extraterrestrials as commonly understood may not apply.

Urban Legends

The issue also includes a section on urban legends, detailing a story about a baby born in Chillán, Chile, who allegedly predicted the end of the world and a fish stranding event. The article dismisses this as an absurd story that gained traction due to fear and superstition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While it presents various cases and theories, it frequently incorporates skeptical viewpoints and scrutinizes evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and questions sensationalism, particularly when it comes to media portrayals and the commercialization of UFO stories. The review of "Los Extraños" indicates an openness to alternative psychological and transpersonal interpretations of abduction experiences, moving beyond simple alien-centric narratives.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: 16
Date: May 2002

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' delves into phenomena related to UFOs, alien abductions, and the controversial topic of brainwashing, particularly in the context of new religious movements. It features a critical review of Jim Schnabel's book 'Dark White,' alongside articles that question the validity of 'brainwashing' theories and explore the psychology and sociology of belief.

Book Review: Dark White by Jim Schnabel

The issue begins with a review of Jim Schnabel's book 'Dark White,' which addresses the persistent belief in alien visitations and abductions. The reviewer highlights Schnabel's portrayal of key figures in the field, such as Budd Hopkins, an artist who became a ufologist after experiencing 'missing time' and using hypnosis to recall abductions. Hopkins' work is noted for its exploration of alien hybridization programs. The review contrasts Hopkins' sincerity with the perceived 'madness' of Whitley Strieber, author of 'Communion,' whose work blends fiction and autobiography. The review also touches upon the spiritual and ecological uplift reported by some abductees studied by Leo Sprinkle and John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist who gained a significant following among those who believed aliens were warning humanity about ecological disaster.

The Myth of Brainwashing

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to deconstructing the concept of 'brainwashing,' particularly as applied to new religious movements. Psychologist Newton Malony argues that the term is often used as a tool for repression and discrimination against those who dissent from the dominant social order. He contends that the simple model of brainwashing is more of an accusation than an accurate description, failing to explain the conversion process. Malony suggests that the idea of brainwashing is a 'magical metaphor' that cannot be proven false and serves to legitimize persecution by providing a reason to condemn groups even without evidence of criminal activity. He also points out that this theory places the entire burden of conversion on the group or leader, absolving families of responsibility, and portrays devotees as passive victims rather than individuals seeking meaning.

Scientific Perspectives on Conversion

The magazine presents scientific viewpoints that challenge the brainwashing narrative. The American Psychological Association (APA) has declared the theory of brainwashing unscientific. Margaret Singer, a proponent of the theory, has had her work rejected by the APA. Malony, citing his extensive studies, argues that the adherence to religious cults is fundamentally different from prison confinement, as individuals in cults can leave voluntarily. He contrasts the historical use of the term 'brainwashing' in political contexts with its application to new religions, where groups like Hare Krishna and the Unification Church have been targeted.

Case Studies and Sociological Analysis

The issue includes case studies that illustrate the complexities of religious conversion and the societal suspicion surrounding new groups. The case of Patty Hearst is mentioned as an early, prominent example where 'brainwashing' was alleged, though studies later suggested simulations of change and voluntary defections. The article discusses how societal intolerance and misunderstanding can lead stigmatized groups to become defensive. Sociologist María Julia Carozzi's research on Africanist religions and New Age groups is cited, suggesting that in modern society, religion has become a more marginal or routine experience, and that individuals who place religion at the center of their lives, especially in non-traditional groups, undergo a 'strange metamorphosis.'

The 'Catholic Sect' and Misinterpretations

Malony uses the example of a seminary student who attempted suicide to illustrate how the 'brainwashing' accusation can be misapplied. When the student's family accused the Catholic parish of brainwashing, Malony, who examined the retreat activities, found them normal and inspiring. He suggests the student's mental illness, not the retreat, triggered his crisis, questioning whether the Church could be blamed. He also notes the difficulty in preventing such incidents without infringing on freedom of belief, and draws parallels to the car sales industry, where individuals make decisions that may not always be rational.

The Process of Belief and Conversion

Instead of 'brainwashing,' the magazine explores the 'processes of the believer.' Scientific studies suggest that conversion involves a modification of one's personal biography, with stages of conversion, recruitment, and commitment. Alejandro Frigerio, an anthropologist, explains that changes in beliefs or self-perception are not always immediate and depend on the cultural context and socially acceptable norms. He notes that new cosmologies, like those involving UFOs or Marian movements, can lead to gradual conversion if they are distant from pre-existing beliefs.

Critiques of Chilean Ufology

The issue also offers a critical perspective on Chilean ufology, particularly concerning the work of Jorge Anfruns Dumont. The reviewer describes Anfruns' book 'Extraterrestres en Chile. Top Secret' as fantastical, egomaniacal, and paranoid, labeling it the most delirious book in the history of national ufology. The review mocks Anfruns' self-aggrandizing narratives, including his personal accounts of assaults and encounters with extraterrestrials, and his tendency to connect unrelated events to support his theories. The reviewer also criticizes the lack of critical thinking among those who promote Anfruns' work, suggesting that his fantastical claims are often presented without proper scrutiny.

Ufologists' Professionalization Efforts

Juan Guillermo Aguilera and Jorge Anfruns are mentioned for their proposal to create a 'College of Ufologists' in Chile. The aim is to professionalize ufology and prevent the emergence of unqualified investigators. However, the article questions who would administer the exams and whether the proposed experts possess the necessary knowledge, given the often unsubstantiated nature of their claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the questioning of established narratives and the critical examination of phenomena that often fall outside mainstream scientific understanding. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, particularly towards the concept of 'brainwashing,' advocating for a more nuanced understanding of belief formation and conversion processes. It also critiques the sensationalism and lack of rigor found in some areas of ufology, while acknowledging the genuine interest in exploring unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and a rejection of simplistic explanations for complex human experiences and beliefs.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: Nº 16
Volume: Año 3
Date: Mayo de 2002
Publisher: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Country: Chile
Type: Bi-monthly bulletin, edited independently and without profit.

Article 1: Review of "THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES" Film

This article, written by Patricio Abusleme H. from Chile, discusses the film "The Mothman Prophecies," released in the United States in early 2002. The film is based on John A. Keel's 1975 book of the same name. The reviewer notes that Keel, a journalist and investigator of paranormal phenomena, published his book 27 years prior, and the film adaptation brings his story to the big screen. Richard Gere plays Keel, a role that surprises the author given the actor's age and popularity. The film is directed by Mark Pellington and attempts to immerse the viewer in a story that exploits psychological terror. The main character, John Klein, is clearly based on John Keel, similar to how Steven Spielberg based Jacques Vallée's character 'Claude Lacombe' on Vallée in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

The central events of the film, like the book, take place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. However, while Keel's investigations occurred between 1966 and 1967, the film updates the timeline to the present. Another difference highlighted is that Keel was only tangentially involved in some of the reported events, whereas the film might give him a more central role. The reviewer cautions that Hollywood adaptations often introduce differences from the original story, including elements born from the filmmakers' imagination.

The article recounts the film's opening: journalist John Klein and his wife, returning home after searching for a new place to live, encounter a winged, red-eyed, humanoid figure that lunges at their car, causing an accident. Klein survives, but his wife is hospitalized and dies days later. Distraught, Klein finds sketches made by his wife before her death, depicting a hooded or winged human-like figure with terrifying eyes. Years later, Klein discovers information that reminds him of these sketches, prompting him to quit his job and travel to Point Pleasant to seek answers. There, he teams up with police officer Connie Parker (played by Laura Linney) to investigate the manifestations of the character locals call the Mothman.

The article explains that the "prophecies" aspect of the Mothman refers not to direct prophecies from the creature, but rather that its appearances foreshadow future events and generate paranormal phenomena around those who perceive it. The reviewer notes that readers familiar with the 1966-1967 Point Pleasant events will recognize some of the "Keelian phenomena" described by the late Catalan writer Antonio Ribera y Jordá, such as strange visions, catastrophic prophecies, premonitory dreams, and sinister phone calls from seemingly omniscient entities, as well as doppelganger phenomena.

The article points out that the "Men in Black" theme, a key element in Keel's original investigations, is not developed in the film, possibly because Hollywood has already exploited MIB mythology in a comedic series. The reviewer expresses concern about a potential second season of that series.

As of May 2002, the film had been released in the US in January, but its synopsis had not yet reached Chile. The article encourages interested readers to look for it in cinemas or on video.

• Technical Details:
• Producers: Lakeshore Entertainment/Sony Pictures Entertainment
• Credits: Book by John A. Keel, Screenplay by Richard Hatem
• Genre: Horror/Science Fiction/Thriller/Mystery
• Director: Mark Pellington
• Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Will Patton, Debra Messing
• Duration: 119 minutes
• Official Website: http://www.spe.sony.com/movies/mothman/
• Synopsis: http://jrojas.00server.com

Article 2: Critical Review of Anfruns' Book

This article, written by Sergio Sánchez R., offers a scathing critique of a book by Anfruns, which the author describes as "lamentable." The reviewer criticizes Anfruns for presenting subjective and anecdotal UFO accounts as objective fact, without critical analysis. The book is accused of auto-citation and of uncritically accepting all testimonies, no matter how absurd or unsubstantiated. The reviewer likens Anfruns to a disciple of Benítez, who merely transcribes testimonies without commentary.

The article highlights a section by collaborators Manuel Aguirre and J. Andrés Rives, titled "Datos para comenzar a pensar" (Data to start thinking). This chapter enumerates typologies of craft and occupants, and registers sighting frequencies. The reviewer dismisses this as a "heap of data" lacking any filtering or depuration, and therefore unusable for serious statistical study of UFOs.

A particularly criticized section is the "typology of entities," which includes categories such as human, macrocephalic, animal, escafandra (diving suit), robot, ameba, and hologram. The reviewer finds it illogical to associate entities with the UFO phenomenon without the presence of a UFO.

The author draws a parallel between Anfruns' classifications and a quote from Jorge Luis Borges, referencing a Chinese encyclopedia that categorizes animals in a similarly arbitrary and fantastical manner. The reviewer concludes that Anfruns' work, while perhaps unintentionally revealing the paranoia, ignorance, and egocentrism of his "anfrunsian world," is the antithesis of what 'La Nave' aims to criticize and combat.

Anfruns' statement "Me gusta ser ovnílogo pero no ingenuílogo" (I like to be a ufologist but not an ingenuologist) is humorously dissected, with the reviewer suggesting Anfruns meant he didn't want to be naive, but ended up saying he didn't want to be a "student of the naive."

Errata and Upcoming Content

The issue includes a section on errata for issues 14/15, apologizing for errors in a previous article by Héctor Escobar on the "perinatal hypothesis of abductions." The magazine states they have re-hired employees to prevent future gross errors.

It also announces that the promised interview with John Keel will appear in the next issue, along with an article on the Pascagoula case.

The "Next Issue" preview (Nº 17, July 2002) promises: "NOW YES: JOHN KEEL SPEAKS," a revisited look at "THE BELGIAN WAVE," and the usual "COMMENTS ON BOOKS, BRIEFS, COPUSHAS AND ALL THOSE THINGS THAT ONLY FIT IN THE NAVE."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' demonstrates a critical stance towards sensationalist and unverified ufological accounts, as exemplified by the harsh review of Anfruns' book. The magazine prioritizes critical analysis and a more rigorous approach to paranormal phenomena. The publication also engages with popular culture, as seen in the review of "The Mothman Prophecies" film, connecting it to the historical UFO events it is based upon. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims while remaining open to investigating and discussing the broader UFO phenomenon and related cultural expressions. The magazine positions itself as a platform for critical discussion and a counterpoint to what it perceives as uncritical ufology.